Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne says the new rules on stoppage time make no sense and even referees don’t like them.
De Bruyne played for City in Sunday’s marathon Community Shield against Arsenal which lasted nearly 106 minutes after referee Stuart Attwell enforced the new guidelines.
Attwell added on three minutes at the end of the first half and eight at the end of the second – which were extended to more than 13 after Thomas Partey and Kyle Walker needed treatment following a clash of heads.
Arsenal equalised in the 101st minute before going on to beat City in a penalty shoot-out, and De Bruyne is concerned about the extra workload players will face with longer games this season.
‘Assuming we're going to play about 15 minutes extra every game now, that says it all,’ said De Bruyne. ‘We spoke to the Arsenal players and even the referees. They don't even want to do it, but it's the new rule and it is what it is.
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